Braunvieh cattle, known for adaptability, are thriving in western Victoria.
With the home of Braunvieh being the mountains of Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Austria, it may be surprising to see this moderate framed grey/brown breed being successfully raised in western Victoria.
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Why so?
Well, it is said that to have a black hide is best.
That may apply in cooler climates with low humidity, but not when examining the breeds around the world that have great adaptability. And that starts with heat tolerance.
The ‘international colour of cow’ is not black but grey.
Braunvieh are used in over 60 countries around the world. High altitudes and humid climates have Braunvieh cattle using what grazing they can find to produce milk and beef.
Many breeds make many claims.
Having begun using Braunvieh next to Simmental in 1975, Andrew Rainsford utilised AI to cross-breed from Angus cows to introduce the poll gene into Braunvieh.
The Simmental were crossed over polled hereford but were discontinued after 12 years. The Braunvieh x cows outperformed the Simmental x with growth and calf production.
Not content with that, ongoing trials of various breeds are using the power of the AI tank to assess Wagyu, Tuli, Murray Grey, Piedmontese, Angus and Brahman cross cattle.
Maturity pattern and growth factors measured include gestation length, birth weight, survival and growth.
Also, the volume of the high price cut, that being eye muscle area. This is the big payoff for meat processors. Even the rump is midrange in price earning, and certainly not hamburger beef.
So the more ‘prime cut’ eye fillet produced, the better returns for all steps in production.
Crossbreeding and AI trials enhance growth and meat quality, offering high returns.
After 800 years of mountain selection in Europe, which has developed durable feet and legs and strong topline/eye muscle area, it is not surprising to have Braunvieh yearlings with ema of 110 cm2. By 18 months old it is 120–130 cm2 ema.
This is from a modest cow size of 550 to 600kg on grass. Mature Braunvieh bulls are around 1000 to 1100kg.
The 'Built in benefit from Braunvieh' is the cows’ ability to produce high-quality milk for fast growth.
With European breeds, the Braunvieh maternal traits score highest for milk volume and associated udder structure to contribute to long-term production.
Koijak Braunvieh stud now has applied 50 years of selection to offer standard Braunvieh purebred and fullblood cows and bulls, polled bulls and full blood semen supplies as well as Black Braunvieh.
Braunvieh maternals — so much more than you can see.
